With OS/400 V5R1, IBM eServer iSeries servers support two methods of clustering. Replication technology is one method. The other method is switchable disk technology, which is referred to as independent auxiliary storage pools (IASPs) on the iSeries server.

This IBM Redbooks publication presents an overview of cluster and switched disk technology available at OS/400 Version 5 Release 1. It explains the concepts and architecture surrounding iSeries clusters. It introduces you to the eServer brand initiative -- ClusterProven for iSeries -- and explains how it applies to iSeries customers and independent software vendors. Application resiliency can be delivered by exploiting OS/400 cluster technology and cluster management services such as those provided by IBM High Availability Business Partners. It is available through IBM cluster middleware providers. Considerations for this application design are also introduced in this book.

This book is written for IBM customers, technical representatives, and Business Partners who plan business solutions and systems that are continuously available. You should use this book to gain a broad understanding of the cluster architecture available with OS/400 Version 5, Release 1, where clustering is viable. You should also use it to learn how to plan and implement clustering and independent ASPs.

Part 1. iSeries high availability fundamentals

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Downtime

Chapter 3. Availability technology

Part 2. iSeries clusters and higher availability

Chapter 4. iSeries clusters explained

Chapter 5. Implementing and managing clusters with IBM solutions

Chapter 6. Independent ASPs explained

Chapter 7. Operations Navigator independent ASP GUI

Chapter 8. ClusterProven for iSeries applications

Chapter 9. Making applications continuously available

Chapter 10. Sample cluster environment and applications

Chapter 11. Considerations when planning for iSeries clusters and recoverable applications

Chapter 12. Problem determination for iSeries clustering

Part 3. Cluster middleware business partners

Chapter 13. DataMirror iCluster

Chapter 14. Lakeview Technology MIMIX

Chapter 15. Vision Solutions Vision Suite

Part 4. Appendices

Appendix A. Advanced clusters explained

Appendix B. Referenced lists

Appendix C. iSeries cluster resources